METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING A DRIVER IN A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for classifying a driver in a vehicle, in particular in a single-track vehicle such as a motorcycle or a scooter. State of the art

[0002] EP 3 219 567 A1 describes the evaluation of a two-wheeled vehicle's rider based on physical motion measurements within the vehicle. The sensor system used in the vehicle is an inertial measurement unit that can determine acceleration and yaw rates. To evaluate the rider, series of measurements corresponding to a specific driving maneuver are analyzed. The rider evaluation is based on a characteristic value within the series of measurements under consideration, for example, the yaw angle.

[0003] EP3508391A1 describes a method for classifying a driver in a vehicle. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The method according to the invention enables the classification of a driver in a vehicle with high accuracy. The method preferably applies to a single-track vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter. However, dual-track vehicles such as passenger cars or trucks are also possible.

[0005] In this method, a steering input specified by the driver is determined over a minimum period of time while driving. From the steering input curve, a driver rating signal is determined, which corresponds to a classification of the driver into a specified driver category.

[0006] Driver classification into a driver category can be carried out based on the steering input curve specified by the driver, taking into account typical characteristics, particularly with regard to a superimposed oscillation in the steering input curve, the frequency and amplitude of which can be determined. The superimposed oscillation represents the deviation of the actual steering input from an ideal curve.

[0007] The method according to the invention is therefore based on an evaluation of the driver's steering behavior. This is a direct input variable that the driver specifies in the vehicle while driving. The steering input variable represents a reliable variable for classifying the driver into a predefined driver category. Driver categories are defined, in particular, as discrete, predefined categories, for example, a sporty driver, an average driver, and a cautious driver. These driver categories can be distinguished from one another based on typical characteristics and parameters, particularly with regard to the deviation of the steering input variable specified by the driver from an ideal or optimal profile of the respective steering variable.

[0008] The evaluation of the steering input variable is independent and separate from the vehicle's system transmission behavior. The method according to the invention allows the vehicle behavior and driver input to be considered separately in a more improved manner than is possible with the exclusive use of vehicle dynamics measurement signals such as longitudinal and lateral acceleration or yaw rate.

[0009] According to the invention, a driving maneuver performed by the driver, for example cornering, evasive maneuvering, or straight-ahead driving, is identified from the course of the steering input variable specified by the driver and / or from at least one driving state variable. The driver evaluation signal can be determined from the deviation of the actual steering input variable from an ideal steering input variable assigned to the driving maneuver. For example, an inexperienced or cautious driver will exhibit a greater fluctuation range in the steering angle around the ideal steering angle curve when cornering than an experienced driver. Identifying the currently performed driving maneuver enables the assignment of an ideal target steering input variable assigned to the respective driving maneuver, which forms the basis for the comparison with the actual steering input variable of the driver. This enables the driver to be assigned to a specific driver category with high accuracy.

[0010] The steering input specified by the driver can be measured using a sensor. Examples of steering inputs include the driver's steering torque, which is measured by a sensor, or the driver's steering angle, which can also be measured by a sensor.

[0011] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the driver evaluation signal is determined from the time course of the steering input variable. The steering input variable is recorded from the sensor signals as a time series, in particular at discrete, consistently spaced points in time. From this time course, typical parameters can be determined that allow conclusions to be drawn about the driver's classification into a given driver category.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the time course of the steering input can be subjected to a frequency analysis. In this case, the driver evaluation signal is determined from a frequency-domain analysis.

[0013] A further aspect of the invention relates to the above-described method for classifying a driver in a vehicle and also to the utilization of the driver evaluation signal. This can be used to control a functional unit that is preferably located inside the vehicle, but can also be located outside the vehicle if necessary.

[0014] The functional unit to which the driver evaluation signal is fed is, for example, a driver assistance system in the vehicle that is adjusted using the driver evaluation signal. The driver assistance system in the vehicle is, for example, an engine control unit, a chassis adjustment unit, an anti-lock braking system, or a stability control unit.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the functional unit is a display unit in the vehicle on which the driver evaluation signal is displayed. The driver receives immediate feedback on their driving behavior and can adapt their driving style accordingly. If necessary, the display unit can provide instructions for executing upcoming driving maneuvers, for example for cornering ahead, by recommending an adjustment of speed or the like. It is also possible to provide instructions for avoiding upcoming routes. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to specify a target driving line in the display unit that the driver should follow, with the display unit showing the actual vehicle position in relation to the target driving line.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the functional unit to which the driver evaluation signal is transmitted for further processing is located outside the vehicle. The functional unit can, for example, be designed as a central location where feedback from one or more vehicles is received and where the driver evaluation signals are evaluated. This allows, on the one hand, an individual assessment of the driver's abilities and, on the other hand, a statement about the route traveled, for example, the road conditions. The central location can transmit corresponding information with advice on driving behavior to the vehicle or to other vehicles.

[0017] The invention further relates to a control unit containing means configured to carry out the method described above. The means comprise at least one memory unit, at least one computing unit, a control unit input, and a control unit output. In the control unit located in the vehicle, the driver evaluation signal can be determined based on the steering input variables detected by sensors. Furthermore, signals for controlling a functional unit in the vehicle, for example, a display unit or a driver assistance system such as an engine control unit or a chassis control unit, can be generated in this control unit or, if appropriate, in another control unit in the vehicle.

[0018] The invention further relates to a computer program product with a program code designed to execute the method steps described above. The computer program product runs in the control unit described above or in multiple control units.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a single-track vehicle, which is equipped with a sensor system for detecting the steering input variable specified by the driver and also has a control unit for determining the driver evaluation signal and optionally one or more control units for controlling one or more functional units in the vehicle.

[0020] Further advantages and practical embodiments can be found in the further claims, the description of the figures, and the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a side view of a motorcycle equipped with a control unit in which a driver evaluation signal is determined on the basis of sensor-detected steering input variables, Fig. 2 a flow chart with method steps for determining a driver evaluation signal.

[0021] In Fig. 1 A single-track vehicle designed as a motorcycle 1 is schematically shown. The motorcycle 1 has an engine control unit 2 and a driver assistance system 3 in the form of a stability control system, as well as a drive motor 4 controlled by the engine control unit 2. The driver assistance system 3 and the engine control unit 2 communicate with each other. The drive motor 4 is designed as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid engine with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

[0022] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with an additional control unit 5, in which sensor signals from a sensor system in the motorcycle 1 are processed. Furthermore, the control unit 5 communicates with the engine control unit 2 and the driver assistance system 3. The control unit 5 receives sensor signals from an inertial measurement unit 6, in which the acceleration and yaw rates of the motorcycle 1 are recorded, and sensor signals from a steering torque sensor 7, via which the steering torque applied by the rider to the handlebars can be determined. The control unit 5 also communicates with a transmitting / receiving unit 8, via which signals originating from the control unit 5 can be transmitted, in particular to a functional unit located outside the motorcycle 1, such as a central location for monitoring and evaluating the information originating from the motorcycle 1.

[0023] The control unit 5 serves, in particular, to determine a driver evaluation signal with which the driver is classified into a defined driver category. This classification is performed on the basis of analyzed steering input variables, which in this case are recorded using the steering torque sensor 7 in the form of the steering torque specified by the driver. The driver evaluation signal, which is determined on the basis of the steering input variables, classifies the driver into a specific driver category. The driver evaluation signal can be fed, for example, to the engine control unit 2 and the driver assistance system 3 for setting parameters. The driver evaluation signal can also be transmitted to the functional unit located outside the motorcycle via the transmitting / receiving unit 8. Furthermore, it is possible to display the driver evaluation signal to the driver via a display unit, allowing the driver to adapt their driving behavior based on the driver evaluation signal.

[0024] In Fig. 2 A flowchart with process steps for determining the driver evaluation signal is shown. In process step V1, signals from the sensors in the vehicle are continuously determined, in particular sensor signals from the inertial measurement unit 6 and the steering torque sensor 7. The signals are fed to the control unit 5.

[0025] In the next process step V2, the current driving maneuver being performed by the vehicle is determined based on the sensor signals. For this purpose, sensor signals from a minimum period are evaluated, allowing the current driving maneuver to be determined. For example, it may be expedient to first record sensor signals over a period of 0.5 s or 1 s and use the signals from this period to determine the current driving maneuver. After the driving maneuver has been determined, for example, driving straight ahead, cornering, or an evasive maneuver, a target steering input variable can be assigned to the driving maneuver, which can follow an optimization criterion, such as minimizing lateral acceleration.

[0026] In the following process step V3, the deviation of the actual steering input value determined with the steering torque sensor 7 from the target steering input value determined in process step V2 is determined. From this deviation, the driver evaluation signal is determined, which is used to classify the driver into a specific driving category, for example, one of the categories cautious driver / average driver / sporty driver.

[0027] When determining the deviation between the actual and target steering input value, the deviation with higher frequency and smaller amplitude can be considered in particular, which indicates steering corrections by the driver.

[0028] When analyzing the steering input variable in process step 3, it is possible to observe the time course of the steering input variable as well as to transform the time course into the frequency domain and accordingly to perform a frequency analysis.

[0029] After determining the rider evaluation signal, a functional unit can be used for control in the following process step V4. The functional unit can be located inside or outside the motorcycle. Within the motorcycle, the functional unit could be, for example, the engine control unit or the driver assistance system. A display unit for presenting the rider evaluation signal as information for the rider could also be considered.

[0030] Outside the motorcycle, for example, there is a central point to which the driver evaluation signal is transmitted for further evaluation.

Claims

1. Method for classifying a driver in a vehicle, in particular in a single-track vehicle (1), in which a steering input variable specified by the driver is ascertained over a minimum period of time during driving and a driver evaluation signal is determined from the course of the steering input variable, the driver evaluation signal corresponding to a classification of the driver into a specified driver category, characterized in that a driving manoeuvre carried out by the driver is identified from the course of the steering input variable specified by the driver and / or from at least one driving state variable, wherein the driver evaluation signal is determined from the deviation in the actual steering input variable from an ideal steering input variable associated with the driving manoeuvre.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the steering torque produced by the driver is used as the steering input variable.

3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the steering angle produced by the driver is used as the steering input variable.

4. Method according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the driver evaluation signal is determined from a variation in the steering input variable over time.

5. Method according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the variation in the steering input variable over time is subjected to a frequency analysis, the driver evaluation signal being determined from the frequency analysis.

6. Method for classifying a driver in a vehicle according to any of Claims 1 to 5 and for utilizing the driver evaluation signal, which is supplied for actuating a functional unit inside or outside the vehicle.

7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the functional unit is a driver assistance system (3) in the vehicle, the driver assistance system being adjusted via the driver evaluation signal.

8. Method according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the functional unit is a display unit in the vehicle, the driver evaluation signal being displayed on the display unit.

9. Method according to any of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the functional unit is arranged outside the vehicle, the driver evaluation signal being transmitted to the functional unit for further utilization.

10. Control device (5) or combination of control devices (5), containing means which are designed for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims.

11. Vehicle, in particular single-track vehicle (1), having a sensor system for detecting a steering input variable specified by the driver and having a control device (5) or a combination of control devices (5) according to Claim 10.

12. Computer program product containing program code which is designed to execute steps of the method according to any of Claims 1 to 9 when the computer program product runs in a control device (5) or a combination of control devices (5) according to Claim 10.